Phenotypic stability and plant densities of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.) genotypes in the Caribbean Region of Colombia

Phenotypic stability studies are important to recommend objectively the planting of genotypes showing appropriate behavior in one or more areas. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.), a species of recent cropping in Colombia, is characterized by the capacity of synthesize highly sweeteners diterpene glycosides with low calorie. However, while defining the environmental conditions for production, leaf /stem ratio in the canopy, and the amount of total glycosides, few studies of adaptation have been made in the country. This study was carried out in Montería-Colombia (8°52' N and 76°48' W) to determine the phenotypic stability of two genotypes of stevia (Morita 1 and Morita 2) and three plant densities (25; 12.5 and 6.25 plants/ m2) during three sowing seasons in the Humid Colombian Caribbean Region. The experimental design consisted of a randomized complete block. The results showed that Morita 2, established in densities of 25 plants/m2, recorded the highest levels of stability for the dry leaf yield per hectare (Pig =0; Pid =0). On the other hand, the same genotype showed a higher leaf/stem ratio (1.17±0.3) and higher content of total glycosides (0.1586±0.024) when radiation is higher and plant densities are between 12.5 and 25 plants/m2.